Moscow has no reason to encourage the production of genetically
modified products or import them into the country, Medvedev told
a congress of deputies from rural settlements on Saturday.

“If the Americans like to eat GMO products, let them eat it
then. We don’t need to do that; we have enough space and
opportunities to produce organic food,” he said.

The prime minister said he ordered widespread monitoring of the
agricultural sector. He added that despite rather strict
restrictions, a certain amount of GMO products and seeds have
made it to the Russian market.

At the end of February, the Russian parliament asked the
government to impose a temporary ban on all genetically altered products in Russia.

The State Duma’s Agriculture Committee supported a ban on the
registration and trade of genetically modified organisms. It was
suggested that until specialists develop a working system of
control over the effects of GMOs on humans and the natural
environment, the government should impose a moratorium on the
breeding and growth of genetically modified plants, animals, and
microorganisms.

Earlier this month, MPs of the parliamentary majority United
Russia party, together with the ‘For Sovereignty’ parliamentary
group, suggested an amendment of the existing law On Safety and
Quality of Alimentary Products, with a norm set for the maximum
allowed content of transgenic and genetically modified
components.

There is currently no limitation on the trade or production of
GMO-containing food in Russia. However, when the percentage of
GMO exceeds 0.9 percent, the producer must label such goods and
warn consumers. Last autumn, the government passed a resolution
allowing the listing of genetically modified plants in the
Unified State Register. The resolution will come into force in
July.